Demystifying Film Festival Programming
Do you feel festival programming is mysterious and maybe a bit arbitrary? Why did one film get a prime evening...
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Hidden Cost of Over-Ambitious Scripts
At some point, every filmmaker writes an over-ambitious script. Big cast. Multiple locations. Complex scenes. On the page, it feels...
Write Within Your Resources
One of the biggest mistakes early filmmakers make is waiting for the “right” resources to appear. The better approach is...
Write with Cast in Mind
When you’re writing a script, it’s easy to imagine the perfect cast. The ideal age range. The perfect look. The...
Shorts Don’t Need To Be Perfect
When you’re making your first film, it’s easy to feel like it has to be perfect. The perfect script. The...
Write with Location in Mind
When you’re writing your first script, it’s tempting to think big. Multiple locations. Big set pieces. Constant movement. But one...
When to Submit Your Film to a Festival
Are you really ready to hit that submit button to a film festival you have been following on IG or...
What Does “Oscar-Qualifying” Actually Mean for Filmmakers?
“Oscar-qualifying” is a misunderstood phrases in the film festival world. It sounds like a golden ticket. Like if your film...
Do Film Festivals Help Filmmakers Get Distribution?
This is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — questions filmmakers ask. The honest answer is: sometimes,...
How to Get the Most Out of Your Film Festival Experience
Long before you attend a festival — even before you submit — it’s important to understand why you’re doing this...
How to Prepare for Q&A’s at Film Festivals
For many filmmakers, the Q&A is more intimidating than the screening itself. You imagine tough questions, awkward silences, or being...
Genre Films Thrive at UIFF
When filmmakers hear the word “genre,” it’s often followed by concern: Will my horror, sci-fi, or thriller actually be taken...
What Should I Expect at My First Film Festival?
Your first film festival can feel intimidating if you don’t know what you’re walking into. Schedules, screenings, badges, Q&As, strangers...
Do I Need to Attend a Film Festival in Person If My Film Is Selected?
This is one of the most common questions filmmakers ask after they receive an acceptance. The short answer is: it depends...
What Should I Include in My Festival Submission Package?
When you’re submitting your film to a festival, the materials you include can really help your project stand out. Here’s...
Is my film Experimental?
Many filmmakers struggle with where to place their film when it doesn’t follow traditional storytelling rules. Narrative? Documentary? Music video?...
Marketing Strategies for Indie Filmmakers
Marketing an independent film on a shoestring budget can be difficult, but many filmmakers have found creative ways to build...
Utah Enters the Vertical Drama Space
The Utah film community is on a new frontier of storytelling with the release of The Billionaire’s Secret Heir, now...
“A Perfect Fit” Brings UIFF Alumni Together in Magical Short Film
HELPER, UT – The whimsical short film A Perfect Fit, featuring Elijah Amodt and Charla Bocchicchio, is set to captivate...
UIFF Brings Distributors to Filmmakers
For every filmmaker, the journey doesn't end when the final cut is locked. The real challenge, and the ultimate goal,...
UIFF Gets Even BIGGER
Forget Sundance, Utah's true indie powerhouse, the Utah International Film Festival, marks 15 years by launching its most ambitious, filmmaker-focused...